A Woman Created the Security System - Marie Van Brittan Brown


Marie van Brittan Brown

Marie Brown, a woman of color who did not let fear crippled her but took action and in so doing invented the first ever CCTV security. 


Brown was born in 1922 in Jamaica, Queens, New York.  Not much is known about her early childhood and has no siblings.  She started off her career working as a nurse.  She married husband, Albert Brown, who was an electronics technician, and they had a son and daughter. She worked long hours as a nurse and would get home late at night. Her husband also worked odd hours, so she was often alone at night.  Afraid of being vulnerable in a high crime neighborhood, Brown decided to figure out a way to see who was at her door at any given time.



In 1966, Marie, with her husband assisting her, invented a security system which consisted of four peepholes, a sliding camera, television monitors, and two-way microphones. These items created a closed-circuit television system for surveillance also known as CCTV. With multiple peepholes, the sliding camera was able to capture images of people who were different heights. The two-way microphones allowed Brown to communicate with persons outside. She also developed a remote so that she could unlock her door at a safe distance. Lastly, she added an emergency button that would send an alarm to the police if needed. 

In 1969, she and her husband received a patent for the invention under the U.S. Patent number 3,482,037. Her invention was recognized in The New York Times, and she received an award from the National Scientists Committee for her work.  

Marie passed away at the age of 76 in 1999, but her legacy continues.  Her contribution to home security led her invention to be cited in 32 subsequent patent applications. Her invention formed a system that is still being used today, in places such as banks, office buildings, and apartment complexes.


Source: Marie van Brittan Brown | Lemelson (mit.edu)

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